Sunday, May 20, 2012

2012 opener at Road America

Janet and I trekked up to Elkhart Lake, WI. for the our first races of 2012 Sunday May 6th. This event had races on both Saturday and Sunday but due to work committments we couldn't leave until Saturday. Upon arriving, I got registered, found a pit stall, then it was off to tech. Even though it was the first time through tech inspection for 2012, I got through it without a hitch. That was it for Saturday so everything went back in the trailer and it was time to watch some races. My teammate Craig Davis had a great weekend on his Buell 1125R, winning two races and taking second in another. Needless to say I was stoked for Sunday!! 


Sunday morning brought very cool 48 degree temperatures with a threat of rain. With only one round of practice available I had to get with the program right away. Not only did I have to get up to race speed but also get comfortable again on the bike since I hadn't ridden it since last August! The bike felt great and the Continental tires were sticking very well even with the cool temperatures. The only place on the track that was a little sketchy was turn five which was a little greasy. I heard later that the dew was coming up through that area so I wasn't the only one one who struggled through there. After five laps I came in feeling good and hoping the rain would hold off so I could get at least one of my three races in but it wouldn't happen. Just as I got situated back in the pits the rain, lightning and thunder came in. It rained hard all morning and into the afternoon. I considered swapping to my intermedate tires but was adviced from a couple of pro riders that the conditions were not safe for them and unless I had full rain tire not to go out. I decided to listen to their advice and call it a day. I watched from under the canopy and saw a lot of riders coming in on the crash truck so I think I made the right call. My next race will be the ARMHA vintage race at Road America, June 9 - 10. I've never raced with this organization or at this event but I'm looking forward to it! Stay tuned!!